March 5, 2013 – LEON VALLEY, Texas – A Bexar County community recently affirmed its commitment to tree care and urban forestry by completing the steps to become a “Tree City USA.”

The designation, bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation and Texas A&M Forest Service, is designed to bring recognition and assistance to community forestry programs. To earn the title, cities must create a tree board or department, implement a tree care ordinance, support a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and observe Arbor Day with a proclamation.

Leon Valley is one of 73 communities in Texas to receive the honor.

“Leon Valley joins the ranks of Texas communities committed to managing and enhancing their urban forest,” said Gretchen Riley, Tree City USA program coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service. “Texans value their trees not just for aesthetic reasons, but for the significant environmental and economic benefits trees provide to residents.”